What’s in your lunchbox?

What’s in your lunchbox?

What’s in your lunchbox?

Is your lunchbox packed with good nutrition, or is it the same boring thing week in, week out? Forget soggy sandwiches and limp lettuce, it’s time to give our lunchboxes a makeover. Fresh, vibrant salads and hearty, warming soups can turn a boring lunch into something worth taking a break for.

Prepare and plan

The key to eating well Monday to Friday is preparation and a little bit of planning. Most of us are busy enough today without having to think about tomorrow too. So if you can spare half an hour twice a week making some nutritious and delicious lunches you can enjoy a whole new lunchtime menu that is packed with nutrition and will help maintain and sustain your energy levels (and maybe even help to curb chocolate cravings!) throughout the afternoon. For me, Sundays and Wednesdays work best, so I try to make something on Sunday that will do lunchtime on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and then Wednesday’s prep is for Thursday and Friday.

Strike a balance

When you are thinking about what you want for lunch, spare a thought for the nutritional balance. If you find that you tend to slump around 3pm, it could be down to what’s in your lunchbox (or what’s not in your lunchbox!).

Think protein first of all. Sufficient protein may help support energy levels and keep you feeling fuller for longer. Aim for about a palm size portion. Choose from:

eggs

meat and poultry

fish

nuts and seeds

quinoa

pulses (peas, beans, lentils)

natural or Greek yoghurt

cheese (cottage, goat’s or feta)

tofu

Next think about getting at least 2 of your 5 a day. Maybe a flask of homemade soup, a great big fresh salad, or simply some raw veg sticks like carrots, pepper, sugar snap peas or chopped broccoli. Pack as much colour into your lunch as you can.

Add some slow release carbohydrates like oatcakes, wholegrain rice, wholemeal pitta and a little bit of good fat (oily fish, nuts, seeds, olive oil, humous or avocado) and you are good to go.

Lunchbox ideas

Here are some ideas for your batch cooking this weekend:

Soups – remember to add in some leftover chicken or pulses to get enough protein in there. Make a thick, hearty soup to fill you up, and make enough so you can freeze any leftovers.

Frittata – layer any vegetables you like into a casserole dish . Check out my recipe below for an idea.

About

Vital Nutrition specialises in developing bespoke, tailor made nutritional programmes to help you achieve 100% optimum health. We will take a fresh look at your diet and suggest simple, practical changes to help bring your health back into balance.